Holiday Week

 

 

Sir Steve has been on holidays since December 22nd and he doesn't go back until this Thursday!!! 

 Last week we just enjoyed sleeping in - staying up late - watching all sorts of movies on Netflix (we may have seen ALL the good movies!) - as well as getting our booster shot which laid us up for about 24 hours.  We took down all the decorations on Jan 1st - our traditional New Year's day chore.  

The lil one was due to start back to school today - which means she would be home from her mother's tonite.  BUT the government has postponed the reopening of school until Wednesday!!  NOW if mother keeps her for the extra 2 days (we haven't heard a word from mother re this delay start) Sir Steve and I will actually get another 2 days to ourselves.  YAY!!  

I have been very spoiled ........ We have had ordered in food for 3 nights (the diet resumes on Thursday) and Sir Steve has been doing the dishes!  I basically haven't seen the inside of the kitchen for a week!! 

OH and for those of you who remember my sulking over no adult time in December...... we have even had one 'snuggle' time,  ONE? I hear you asking.... yup took me a couple of days to recuperate - but apparently IF we are still alone for the next couple of days - Sir Steve does have plans for some more adult fun.  YAY!! 

This week has been wonderful - I feel renewed - re-energized -  and bonded again to Sir Steve.

Halloween - UGH!

It seemed like a good idea........

AND you WILL have fun!!! 

 

I may never wear my crocs again........ 

 

 
 

 I honestly do not like Halloween........ 

 
 

Maybe with the right kind of pumpkin - I might change my opinion.........

 

Mind you........... there is something good about it.........

 

 

But Seriously........

Merry Halloween

 

 Life is a wee bit confusing around here ...... Halloween is a week away and yet I am doing Christmas 'stuff'.

Yeah you read that right........ CHRISTMAS stuff.  

You see - a year ago Sir Steve was reminiscing about fruit cakes and how he loved them.  My ears perked up.  I had never made a fruit cake before - BUT how difficult could it be??? and I do love to please!!  so I looked up recipes and ingredients and discovered to my horror that fruit cakes should be made - at least - 10 weeks before Christmas.  I did manage to get one made in 8 weeks ... and it was a hit!

Last week I realized it was past time (AGAIN) to get the fruit cake made!!  I dashed out and bought the ingredients......... got the fruit soaking in rum... and actually got it baked yesterday.  It's all wrapped up in rum soaked cheese cloth sitting in the cupboard aging to perfection (hopefully).

I got thinking how Christmas this year is going to look so different from Christmases past....... so I called a 'family' meeting and we organised a virtual Christmas for Dec 19th ... as well as confirming with eldest daughter and SIL that they'll come down for Christmas Day. 

That got me thinking that I won't be able or willing to go poking around the shops looking for perfect gifts this year....... so I hit the net.  AND if I am gonna order gifts then I had better get that done in record time too - ya know?!  I am expecting more than a few folks will be shopping on line and there will be delays in shipping.  I spent last weekend shopping online ..... and bought almost all my gifts!  JOY oh joy!  all but one gift will be here this week and next week.  They'll certainly be here in time for Christmas but I'll have to find good hiding spots for 8 weeks!!

None of this has been too much of a hardship for me....... for those of you who read here regularly you know I don't DO Halloween but do DO (with great enthusiasm) Christmas!!

Life is good when Christmas is close enough to cheer me up.......... 

Happy Thanksgiving (in Canada)

 

 

 

Have a safe Thanksgiving ...........

Elf Puke

Four years ago (and I know this because it came up in 'memories' on FB) youngest daughter sent me a message saying 'today is the day to clean up the elf puke' ... It made me laugh out loud........ cause when the holidays are over and the decorations are coming down....... and you have piles of stuff all over... it does look like Elf puke.

Today is our day to clean up the elf puke from this holiday season......... 

AND........ it's over

What a busy holiday it was!!  Dear god I am almost glad it is over........ the older I get the more tired the holidays make me.......... 

We had an amazing Christmas Eve and Christmas morning here at home with the lil one..... read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' just before bed on the 24th....... and believe it or not we had to wake the lil one on Christmas morning at 8:00 am!!!  Stockings were opened in bed with Sir Steve and myself....... and Santa brought us warm woolly socks - Papa Bear, Mama Bear and lil bear......... 

We didn't rush opening the gifts - took our time - and nibbled on fresh croissants and jam while we opened them....... we even had some time to relax before packing up the car with goodies and gifts and suitcases and heading off to eldest daughter's ..... 

We had a delightful visit with eldest daughter and son in law -- opened more presents including squirrel socks for me and a squirrel tree ornament (have I told you about the continuing squirrel saga?? ) Feasted on Chinese Food (so not traditional turkey) and spent a fun couple of days with them.

We came home yesterday and the lil one has just left with Sir Steve to go to her mother's for the rest of the Christmas break.  I can't help but think we may have spoiled her a wee bit too much........ by yesterday she was acting a wee bit more entitled than I like....... 

Sir Steve and I now have a week together (fortunately he's off work till the 6th!!) We want to finish the redecorating we started last spring........ and spend some quality time together....... I am even hoping - hope against hope - that maybe.......... Sir Steve will have the inclination to find the spanking toys.

Life is good when the holidays were the best they could have been -- and even better now they're over!!

Post Christmas Wish

Merry Merry Christmas

from me to you........


 

Non-Traditional Christmas Bits

Excitement Builds

Yesterday the lil one had a busy day -- which means WE had a busy one too!  

She went shopping with Sir Steve for odds and ends in the morning - and then we had a 'family' bake session.  Actually the recipe I had was an excellent one for younger kiddies to make....... simple enough that they can almost make them themselves!!  Bonus -- they are actually really good!!  Christmas Hugs........

Then mid afternoon - we all headed back to Montreal to have dinner with Sir Steve's son and girlfriend.  (thank god I did ALL that baking cause the son asked if he could have - as his Christmas gift - some of my baked goodies)

BUT the best part of this weekend ....... as far as I am concerned ... I got the best Christmas presents ever!!

More than once over the weekend the lil one said how happy she was to be with us for Christmas - cause that is the REAL Christmas!!  

Then last night -- in a parking lot in the dark waiting for Sir Steve to grab some meds from the drugstore -- the lil one said she wished she didn't have to go to Mom's (tonite through till dinner tomorrow) ....... I asked why and she said "I just want to stay with you and Daddy -- there's no yelling with you ....... and we have so much fun together"........  

AND then.......... we're home snuggled in for the night - lil one tucked into bed -- and I get a message from Sir Steve's son.  (just a little back history - he has pretty much tolerated me up to this point and I got it!  I stayed back and figured when he was ready he would include me/accept me) The message thanked me for the baked goods BUT then he added 'thank you for coming with Dad tonite to have dinner and thank you for all you do for my Dad.  I love you S" ....... 

Life is very good when love fills the air.

Today..........

Today we are off to Montreal to celebrate Christmas with youngest daughter and family.   In past years we have gone down on the 24th and stayed until the 26th BUT this year we really want to spend some time at home celebrating Christmas with the lil one in our home....... creating our own Christmas traditions and memories.

I have been seeing a lot....... and I mean a LOT...... about charcuterie boards..... basically they're cheese trays filled with meats and fancy breads and cheeses and fruits.  Everyone helps themselves - making open faced sandwiches or anything they want I guess.  I've never done one before but it beats trying to organise umpteen different hot dishes.... and it's for lunch not supper.  So I have at least 4 different cheeses, smoked salmon, 4 different meats, strawberries, and grapes, and pineapple, 3 different breads, and crackers.  I have nuts and candies and 2 sweet trays.  

AND

I get to drag it all down to Montreal and of course all the presents and then drag all the leftovers home again (cause we're going to Ottawa on the 25th to have Christmas with eldest daughter and leftovers will help with lunches) 

Life is good when it's filled with family fun over the holidays.

And so it begins.......

Last night we had our first 'family Christmas' Adventure -- we went to see Santa and have dinner out.  The lil one was so excited she was (again) literally vibrating!!  She apparently was very clear with Santa about what she wanted --- 4 things -- a fuzzy sweater (something to wear) - a cross stitch set for beginners (something to do) - a cook book (something to read) and a camera (something she really really wants) 
Watching her sit on Santa's knee talking -- seeing the awe in her face just made my heart melt - such a special memory.

About a month ago -- I was at a meeting at the lil one's school and the principal asked if I would come in and do story telling on the last day of school before the Christmas break.  OF COURSE !  I said yes........ story telling is one of my most favourite things to do with kiddies.  The principal ok'd  The Grinch (these days you don't know what's politically correct anymore - ya know?!)  The only glitch was the timing -- it got changed 3 times (the last day of school is a busy day!!)  we went from a civilized time of 11:30 to 8:45.  Thank god I am a morning person.  

The lil one told anyone who would listen that S was coming to school to tell stories.  Her class was the first class and she was vibrating again (grinning) and I got a BIG tight hug as she walked into the story telling area.  It was amazing - honestly!!  The kids were all over me in no time -- hugging me and touching me and talking my ear off.  It took a little while to get them all settled down so I could do the story telling.
Honestly when I left the school I was walking on air.  Story Telling is truthfully my first love.

Life is good when Christmas is close!

Small things....

I treated myself to a poinsettia today - not just any poinsettia -- but the smallest one I have ever seen.

It makes me so very happy. 

 

Let It Snow

It snowed last night

Soft gentle flakes that floated down and coated the world in soft white glitter

It softened the edges of the world and lifted my spirits

It added magic to an already magical world.

Recharge Day

I have declared today a 'lazy day'.  My batteries have run down -- way down.

It really has been a busy busy month...... Saturday we ran out shopping to get the needed things to finish the front porch -- then we had company for dinner.  Sunday we drove into Montreal to shop ...... only getting home late in the afternoon.  Yesterday a girlfriend came over and we went out shopping -- 

OH I found an advent wreath - something I looked for in November -- on sale!!  and bought it..... it fits in perfectly with our theme!!! 

and we had lunch out at new cafe here in town -- nice lunch but a tad pricey for what we got!!   

Today ........ well today I just kinda hit the wall.  Too much 'peopling' for me the introvert.  So I am doing laundry and hiding away inside the peace and quiet that is our home.

 Life is good when you can recharge the batteries !

 

AH HA !

It is a very mild morning (+2C about 45F) and it was very early -- still dark early -- I was sitting outside on our new deck (more about that another day) soaking in the peace and quiet and absolute stillness...... letting my mind just wander from thought to thought........ when I had this light bulb moment.

Christmas is almost over -- this sadness crept over me.  Wait!  what did that thought mean - Christmas is almost over ??  it isn't even here yet!!  And I realized Christmas for me is NOT one day -- no no no!!  It's the weeks of preparation -- it's finding the right gift for everyone -- it's baking and cleaning and decorating.  It's Christmas lights and Christmas music and all the decorations in all the stores and on all the homes.  It's the instant smile that appears when you sincerely wish someone a "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" -- there's a softness to the edges at this time of year. 

It's making memories whether with a child or with a loved one -- carol singing and tree lighting at city hall -- it's parcels arriving at the door and envelopes with Christmas cards not bills.  

Last night we were sitting quietly watching a Christmas movie and Sir Steve said "the tree is beautiful this year!" words of love by my definition.  He really truly loves this season as much as I do!!  and then he said " This is gonna be a great Christmas!" and I smiled and said "yes it is" and I remembered how he said that last year too!!  

Life is very good when your love knows the secret - Christmas is found in your heart!

Christmas Entertainment

When my girls were little we all looked forward to the Christmas movies/specials on the television every December.  The kids shows always came on at 7 and were done by 8 (a respectable bedtime for lil ones).  The adult Christmas movies were oldies but goodies and we would curl up in front of the fire with popcorn and drinks and watch them with much enthusiasm!

Now a days we tape the children's shows as they go on way past the 8 o'clock bedtime..... the adult movies are corny love stories that make me gag (most of the time).  It's a little disillusioning.  

BUT there is hope.......... last weekend Die Hard was on - definitely not a corny love story -- oh hell  let's be honest -- whoever thought a Bruce Willis shoot 'em up action flick would become a Christmas Hit Movie........ but it has............ 

AND

I love it !!

Last night we watched Miracle on 34th...... it was amazing!  Every bit as good as it was last year ... and the year before that... and the year before that..... 

I'm waiting for Scrooge to come on......... most prefer the black and white original ... I don't much care - black or white - or coloured -- it's a good story (love Dickens!) with an excellent moral (though some miss the point) 

You can keep It's a Wonderful Life -- it never appealed to me for whatever reason - maybe some impatience with George Bailey...... shrug ... not sure but I always seem to lose patience when watching it and find other things to do while it runs.

If I had to pick my all time favourite movie -- it would be ...... wait for it...........

Yes -- The Grinch!  surprised?? I hope not........ it's got everything I love -- Dr. Seuss poetry....... children's logic ....... and this line...

"Maybe Christmas' he thought, 'doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas ... perhaps.. means a little bit more!" 

Have you got a favourite Christmas movie? Feel like sharing?

Making a list......... or is it lists?!

Well I spent some time this morning checking off stuff from my 'to do' list.

The gifts are all bought and mostly wrapped -- CHECK

The baking is done (unless I decide to make another date loaf) -- CHECK
and the almond tarts with the pricey almond paste (read about it HERE)  got made yesterday and DAMN!  they are good if I do say so myself!

Menus for the holidays done -- CHECK

Major house cleaning being done today -- CHECK 

We're coming down to the wire....... I would like all the mundane stuff done by this weekend -- the baking and cleaning and tidying........ and then 'let the fun begin'!!

Fun being -- 
visit to Santa 
Story Telling at the lil one's school
Lunch out with the lil one
Christmas movies with popcorn
Christmas stories
Family Christmas baking (just one batch of 'hugs' cookies that the lil one can virtually make unsupervised

AND the best part .......... in exactly one week and one day Sir Steve is on a 2 week holiday!!  Two whole weeks of family time.... of laughter and loving..... 

Life is very good when Christmas comes without stress or bah humbugs or worries.

Memories

We had a good weekend together...... things are quiet around here -- but slowly returning to normal.  I have finished taking my meds (thank god !!  they were pretty devastating) and Sir Steve is on some new meds and his body is slowly adjusting to them.  With sex and play time off the table for now -- we seem to be developing a different type of closeness -- it's kinda nice ya know?!  Lots of long talks -- memories spilling over.  Of course it's the season for memories and I am lucky - very lucky! - my memories are plentiful and loving.

I was remembering the important memories I have....... and interestingly enough those memories are not about what I got -- but more the times spent with family.

I remembered....................

Going downtown Montreal with my family at night to see the Ogilvy's window.... with it's animated village..... standing there in the cold holding my Dad's hand ... mesmerized by all the magic taking place in the window........

Going out after dinner in the car with Christmas music playing and driving around the neighbourhood admiring everyone's Christmas decorations....... 

Christmas morning - opening stockings in bed with my parents -- breakfast and dressing in Christmas dresses -- BEFORE being allowed to open the gifts under the tree......... 

Christmas dinner at Grandma's house -- the whole family crowding around the table... 7Up in wine glasses -- Christmas crackers and silly paper crowns -- big sugary meringues filled with ice cream and smothered in homemade caramel sauce - 

Being all grown up with my own children and wanting to create the same warm memories for them

The year I could hear my dad's voice softly telling my eldest daughter a story about the Christmas fairies dancing in the tree - peaking around the corner from the kitchen to see the two of them lying under the tree.......... and listening to him telling her to watch for the fairies.

The first Christmas without my Dad -- my youngest daughter asking 'who was Santa when Santa died?' -- almost the end of Christmas magic for all of us.


And I am thankful -- so very thankful -- for this man in my life now -- who believes in the magic of Christmas and the joy of creating Christmas memories

Little Gifts

The most wonderful thing about the holiday season is the unexpected lil joys -- old friendships renewed -- new friendships discovered -- laughter and sharing.

Way back when I first started blogging there was a group of submissives that I kinda fell into........ though I never met them... I quickly became invested in their stories and I like to think them in mine.  We emailed ... we chatted... we bonded.  And then life happened ...... slowly the blogs closed down and the friends drifted away.  It made me sad... me the one who hates change!  and these were big changes.  I don't remember how it happened but these women and I became friends on vanilla social media -- mostly Facebook.  Things had changed but I still got a snapshot of their lives.... 

Yesterday I was reading my Facebook feed and one of the past submissives posted they were going to be doing 'holidailies' this year.  I sat up straight and gawked...... 'holidailies'??!!  It has been years since I heard anyone mention holidailies.  Years ago it was a 'thing' that went on for the month of December.  You agreed to post a blog every day for the month -- there was a coordinator who posted all the blogs participating ...... and even divided them up into vanilla and adult only blogs.  

This submissive was known back then as Leesa (as in leesa and Frank) ...... she's been through her own personal hell in the last couple of years and to know she was gonna be writing again for holidailies made me feel warm and fuzzy.  She is now living in Hawaii and her writings are all vanilla --  if you are interested in giving her a read she can be found at  The Purple Alligator

Then I was reading the Monkey's blog yesterday and saw that the Great Cookie Exchange is celebrating 10 years!!  And I got that warm fuzzy feeling again...... another blast from the past.  I never participated because I couldn't get coordinated enough in December -- nevertheless it made me happy that another holiday tradition was still going strong!! 

Life is good when memories give us little gifts